TxDOT proposes changes to help delays on FM 969

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Chrisma Samarippa's daily routine brings her along Farm to Market 969 to take her children to school and then drive to work.

"It's just frustrating, all the traffic is very frustrating," says Samarippa, who believes the daily delays are partially due to too many parents trying to access three different schools along FM 969. On average, she says it takes 15 minutes to go one mile. "You have all the parents trying to get their kids to school on time."

The Texas Department of Transportation and Travis County are proposing widening FM 969 between Farm to Market 973 and Hunters Bend Road from two lanes to four. They're also adding wider shoulders and building better sidewalks to make the area safer for pedestrians.

A center turn lane is also being proposed along FM 969 that would help drivers trying to turn into any nearby businesses, as well as one of three schools nearby. Without a turn lane, Samarippa says this adds to the delay. "With the traffic flow, then you have people coming in and out of the store, then this lane is always backed up."

This is one of two phases of construction planned for FM 969. Phase I will bring a continuous turn lane on FM 969 and add shoulders on both sides, from Decker Lane to FM 973. Construction starts in 2017.

"It's growing a lot, definitely not country anymore," says Samarippa.

Studies predict growth along FM 969 could increase by 70 percent over the next 20 years, which has made it a priority for upgrades.

TxDOT is holding a hearing on the proposed changes to FM 969 at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at Dailey Middle School, 14000 Westall St.